Hokkaido Island, Japan
Hokkaido Island, Japan
January 20 - 30, 2024
Price: $7,995
Initial Deposit: $2,248
2nd Deposit of $2,248 due six months before tour start date
Lone trees & minimalism, the quintessential Japanese landscape
11-Day Photographic Adventure
Introduction
The Japanese island of Hokkaido perhaps conjures up the most quintessential metaphor for the Japanese landscape.
During our time together we will visit many minimalistic areas of the island, many lone-trees and also one of Japan's most beautiful national parks, while also immersing ourselves in the Japanese culture and cuisine.
Lone trees & minimalism, the quintessential Japanese landscape
I've spent the past two years working with one of Hokkaido's most experienced landscape location guides.
Hokkaido does have those quiet, minimalist landscapes, but they really need to be sought out and are often a highly selective view of an island that is more industrious and populated than one would think. With the aid of our Japanese guide, we will be in a highly fortuitous position to find these quiet minimalistic areas of Hokkaido Island.
Tour
Bruce likes to run his photography-adventures in a friendly, intimate group setting. This trip has a maximum group size of six.
Unlike a lot of tours with up to 12 or 16 people on them, running with a smaller number allows everyone to have space in which to photograph. It also means more quality time for Bruce with each participant.
This trip is more of a tour* than Bruce's normal workshops, due to the logistics involved, but you will get a lot of hands on experience from Bruce while at the same time, immerse yourself with plenty of time out in the field on your own.
* Please note that this is not a workshop. It is a photographic tour, focussed on getting you to great locations for the best light.
Required Fitness Level
Easy to occassionally Demanding
Most locations are very close to the car, but there are several walks of up to 30 minutes each way which will require the use of snow shoes. You should be fit enough for the demands of walking in very deep snow with your camera and backpack (this can be strenuous for those who do not do this type of activity regularly).
The weather in January can be extremely cold with temperatures down to -17ºC and beyond. Coupled with occassional snow storms and occasional very deep snow, this tour is more physically demanding than a standard photo tour and should be considered before booking.
What's included
• Single room occupancy (ensuite bathroom)• 10 nights bed & breakfast
• 10 evening meals
• 9 lunches at local japanese restaurant
• Snowshoes
• Transportation between shooting locations in mini-bus
• One to One Guidance & Group Guidance
• Professional Japanese landscape guide
Estimated Flight prices
I've found flight prices have been somewhere around the £800 to £900 region for travel to Japan from the UK via KLM through Amsterdam.
Most flights won't be published until 9 months before departure. If you wish to check the prices then select any dates in November.
Your flights should arrive in Chitose Airport Japan, and depart from Kushiro airport Japan.
Considerations
If coming to Japan for the first time, you need to be willing to work around your own dietary restrictions, bedding preferences and working in a harsh winter environment. Please read on:
Limited western food options
Japanese food is a real culinary experience, if you don’t have too many dietary restrictions.
If you like fish, rice, vegetables and noodles then you will have one of the best culinary experiences in the world. You do however need to be a flexi-tarian as they have no concept of vegetarianism here, and don’t cater for special dietary requirements.
Sleeping arrangements
There are two stlyes of hotel room in Japan. Traditional Japanese rooms with futons and 'western style' rooms. I've found that the western style rooms are sometimes nothing more than a raised futon.
Cold temperatures & harsh environment
We will be outside during sunrise and sunset and it can get extremely cold. Temperatures of -17ºC and below are not uncommon during the winter here. Weather can be extremely harsh, so very thick winter gloves are a must (avoid gloves you operate cameras with, as they are not thick enough). Down jacket with waterproof storm shell, thermal underwear, balaclava and / or thick neck & face warmer and warm hat all required.
Payment Terms
Three incremental payments:• Initial Depost of 30% is required to secure your booking.
• Second deposit of 30% six months before the start date.
• Final balance due 3 months before tour start date.
Cancellation Policy
The deposit should be regarded as non-refundable, as we have to pay a deposit to our 3rd party suppliers (hotels, studio spaces, tour operators, guides, etc.) in advance to guarantee the services we have booked on your behalf. In the event of a cancellation initiated by you, should there be any costs that are refundable, we will do our utmost to make a refund to you. All cancellations incur a £250 administrative fee (deducted from any refund) for covering the resources involved in the refilling process.Second Deposit & Final Balance
There is a 2nd deposit required six months before the trip commencement date. The final balance is due 3 months prior to trip departure.Your space is only secured if payment is made on time. We reserve the right to cancel your space if we cannot get in touch with you or your final payment is past due.
Terms & conditions
Please feel free to read our terms & conditions